Stay organized: Know your recipe. Have a list of everything you will need,including ingredients, tools, fuel and beverages. Don't be the one to run out of fuel or chilled beverages when your attention is needed at the grill...You know who I'm talking about!
Keep a clean grill: When you are done grilling, clean your grill grates completely. A hot grill is much easier to clean than a cold one. When your grill is clean and cool, lightly oil your grates with canola oil so that your grill will be ready to go on a moments notice.
Preheat and prepare: Preheat your grill to the desired cooking temperature before placing food on the grill. (at least 500° for searing and direct grilling and 350° for indirect grilling). Use this time to prepare your ingredients for grilling. Be patient... It will be worth the wait and save you time and taste in the long run.
Tools of the trade: Long handled tongs and spatulas are great tools for turning food on a hot grill. Avoid piercing your food with forks and knives. You will lose valuable juices from your prized recipes...Save the long fork from your grill tool set for marshmallows and s'mores.
Season your food: Rubs and marinades are great ways to add flavor, but even if it's salt, pepper and a little olive oil, you will bring out the natural flavors of your food. FYI salting your meat before grilling does NOT dry it out...That is a dark-age myth.
No peaking: During indirect and rotisserie grilling, keep the grill lid closed as much as possible. You will lose valuable heat and smoke, adding time and decreasing the flavor of your food...Let the grill do it's thing... (Hint: perfect time for a cold beverage)
Know the Temp: A built-in temperature gauge is great to help control the heat inside your grill. But also, invest in a quality instant-read thermometer to reassure perfectly grilled foods every time. NEVER, EVER cut into your meat with a knife to see if it's done. You will lose all the tender juiciness your strive for. That is as bad as running out of fuel or cold beverages...You know who I'm talking about!
Get in position: When installing or positioning your grill, make sure to consider year-round access and wind direction. A quality grill won't know much difference in outdoor temperature, but prevailing winds can interfere with consistent grilling conditions...Don't let a little weather get in the way of your grilling experience.
Man your station: Don't leave your grill unattended, especially during direct grilling. Grilling should be tasteful, healthful and meaningful...Enjoy your time at the grill and, most of all, BE CAREFUL!
Give it some R & R: Rest and relaxation. By letting your grilled food, especially larger cuts of meat and poultry, rest before serving, it will relax and the juices will be redistributed. The outcome will be tender, juicy cuts of meat...(Hint: perfect time for a cold beverage!)
